BREAKING NEWS

Fire heavily damages home in Rockledge

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - Brevard County Fire Rescue officials said a home in Rockledge sustained heavy damage in fire Monday morning.

Firefighters found smoke and flames coming from the roof of the home on Cavendish Court when they responded shortly after 10:30 a.m.

According to officials, the homeowner was able to escape the fire uninjured. He told WFTV he's a retired Florida Highway Patrol trooper and lost everything in the blaze. Residents in the area said they couldn't believe their eyes when they saw the fire.

"I came out and I saw the entire house in flames. It was huge," neighbor Tanaya Mongeur said.

Firefighters were able to knock down the flames, but not before the roof collapsed and the home sustained heavy damage.

"When we see a house, we realize this could be our house. We try to protect it the best we can," Rockledge fire battalion chief Norris Park said.

The homeowner was taken to the hospital because he was extremely distraught and emotional, officials said. The State Fire Marshal is investigating what caused the blaze.